In Q4 of 2017, the NI Housing Price Index told a story of a chilly one for Belfast, with little short of a price freeze in its 0.1% drop in average property prices - somewhat appropriate given the snow and ice the weather had been treating us to. NI as a whole had performed slightly better, with a 1% rise between the quarters.
The revised figures don't change the picture a great deal as we now know that Belfast's price drop was actually 0.7% (from £122,589 to £121,756) and NI's rise was 0.6%. Barely a blip on the graph for either.
In Quarter 1 of 2018, we've flipped the script a bit and Belfast thaws out with a 1.14% rise in prices, compared to a 0.3% rise for house prices in Northern Ireland as a whole.
It may not be the most exciting story ever told, but the figures paint a positive picture for investors and for homeowners alike. The market remains stable and cautiously, quietly growing despite the uncertain political climate.
This is reflected in some other studies too, for example, the latest NI Labour Market Survey shows unemployment here is at its lowest figure yet and better than the UK's (which is also at a record low).
For the investor who enjoys making a quick buck flipping properties, the housing market isn't the playground it was, say, 12 years ago.
But for the buy-to-let investor looking to grow and maintain a healthy portfolio, or any buyer with capital appreciation and smart, long-term purchases in mind - come on in, the water's just fine.
What are your thoughts on these stats? Do you agree with my analysis or do you have a completely different take on the figures? I'd love to know. Email info@thebelfastpropertyblog.com or join in the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter.
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